Honorable Intentions

by Pauline Saull

  He rounded a bend too quickly. The tires screeched and he winced. “Sorry. Too fast. I, er…had a call yesterday from the son of a woman called Barbara Shepherd. Have you heard of her?”

  “Yes. Yes I have,” Suzy said earnestly, which made Jake smile wryly.

  She’s relieved we’re still communicating, he thought.

  “I know of her,” Suzy continued, “because Mum used to love her books, and then of course one was serialized wasn’t it for the television? Gosh, I didn’t know she was still alive.”

  “Ninety five and living in isolated splendor in a rambling relic according to Norris, the son…on a cliff top with splendid views of the Channel. He has no interest at all in it, and as his mother can no longer live there alone, he’s bought her a cottage in the village close by. The house, Northcote Manor, hasn’t been looked after properly for many years, apparently his mother refuses to spend anymore more money on it, and the son thinks another winter of neglect will be ruinous.”

  Jake had pulled into the parking lot. He turned to Suzy, struggling to keep his gaze from her slightly swollen lips, still red from their passionate kiss. “I met up with him last week. He’s offered it to me.”

  “Well, that’s wonderful!”

  “Yeah. Though I’m not,” Jake said, “going to put any information into the office regarding this. It may sound churlish, but after the last episode…”

  “I understand.”

  Jake smiled. “But of course I want you to know all about it. I’ll give you the address.”

  “Sure.” Suzy took out her diary.

  “Northcote Manor,” Jake said watching her small hand holding the pen, recalling the feel of it raking through his hair. “Chancery Lane, Upper Sidcote. Devon.” He tapped the diary. “Safe in there?”

  Suzy smiled, popped it back in her bag. “Safe.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Darren and his sister, Melanie, ate the delicious pasta in silence. Darren knew Melanie was totally cheesed off with him, but he didn’t care.

  “Why not just let it go?” she said angrily, taking a gulp of her red wine. “For Heaven’s sake, Daz, it happened years ago. And can you in all honesty blame the guy for being dragged into your crazy wife’s web.”

  Darren looked up. “Don’t talk about her like that. She was not crazy, just deluded.”

  “Deluded? Crazy? In my book they’re one and the same. She could have ruined that man’s life through no fault of his own, though you can’t see that can you? And now you’re chasing him, determined to bring him down, not because he spurned Karen’s advances, but because of her stupid reaction to his decision. It’s madness, Daz. I don’t believe for one minute she did away with herself because he wanted nothing to do with her. I do though believe she was seriously deranged and that you just won’t accept that.”

  “Stop it, Mel.”

  Melanie sighed heavily. “Okay…but listen to me, please. We’ve built up a solid business here. Arighi is gaining a fantastic reputation for high-class excellence. If you got into any trouble… Well, it would be quite easy for us to lose that…” Her voice trailed off. She stared long and hard at him and Darren squirmed uncomfortably.

  “Sis. He won’t find out my real name, so don’t worry about it. He’ll only remember Karen Ward. I’m Hall here. I don’t intend ever meeting the guy, not that it would matter, he probably wouldn’t know me if he fell over me, though I do think there’s a chance he’d remember the name Ward if he heard it, circumstances being as they were…which is why I’m happier using the name, Hall.”

  “Lordy,” Melanie said wryly. “I remember it like it happened yesterday. What a mess, like a bad film.”

  “Bit melodramatic, Mel.” Darren took a slug of his wine.

  “No! Not melodramatic, true. Your wife, Mrs. Karen Ward, smart cookie she was not, tells this Jake that she’s informed you, her husband, she’s leaving home to be with him. The guy rightly rebuffs her, he doesn’t want her, he’s not interested. I mean, come on, Darren! Do you honestly think those are the actions of a woman in her right mind?”

  “Leave it, will you, Mel. Please?”

  “All right. But you leave it too. We can’t afford this foolishness.”

  Darren smiled wryly. “The company can’t but I can. Just one more substantial listing stolen from under his nose and I’ll be happy.” He poured more wine into both their glasses, held his up and studied it.

  “I’m getting pretty interested in that female at Porterhouse, you know. She’s a looker. Nice little pad she’s got too.”

  Melanie frowned. “You’re not doing anything else you haven’t told me about, are you? I mean your obsession with this Mason bloke is beginning to seriously alarm me.”

  Darren raised his glass. “Nah, Sis. Cheers,” he said. “Come on, drink up.”

  »»•««

  After Melanie had gone home to her husband and children, Darren pulled a chair over to the computer desk. He’d been keeping close tabs on Jake Mason the past couple of weeks and apart from the usual everyday workings of a busy businessman had been surprised to see him emerge from two long meetings, one from a high-class restaurant, the other from a country pub, with a stockily built gray-haired man. Darren had watched with interest, taking in the older man’s expensive style of dress. The gold fob watch he continually consulted, the highly polished handmade-looking shoes and the immaculate top of the range Jaguar he slowly climbed into all shouted old money. The two men had parted with vigorous handshakes, and intrigued, Darren had followed the Jaguar, only to maddeningly lose it when it turned down a narrow country lane, which in turn branched off into five smaller lanes.

  Now, as he brought up the area on Google he could see all five lanes leading to five large country estates, but which one had the old guy gone to?

  It must be a possible listing. His heart raced with excitement. One thing for sure, if it was, he knew the only other person besides Mason who would know about it was Suzy Porter. She had looked extremely happy driving off with Jake Mason in her car the other afternoon. The two, he thought, appeared to be getting very close. He stroked his chin. How could he find out? At the moment the plausible and only safe way of course was getting into the office. He fingered the set of keys on his desk. But he’d have to choose his moment carefully. As there was no way of knowing when she might just turn up there, he would have to make sure she was at home. The best way to do that would be to invite her out one evening, then after driving her home, he’d be able to go back to the office.

  As it happened things turned out completely differently and very much easier to manage.

  »»•««

  The following morning in the office, prospective buyers for the new houses kept everyone busy. Jake was on site and had called in to give the latest information on progress there. He spoke with Lilian and Suzy found herself hovering in the background, in the vain hope he’d ask to speak with her, until she told herself to grow up.

  She had work to do. There were new listings, contracts, and requests for valuations, all of which kept her and the rest of the office busy, so that the week flew.

  On Friday she had a call from Darren asking her to lunch.

  Suzy was in her office. She pulled a tress of hair forward winding it around her finger. “That’s very kind of you, but we’re pulled out here. I really can’t take the time off, so I’ll have to decline.”

  “Well that’s easy to rectify,” Darren spoke confidently. “You don’t work evenings?”

  “No…but to be honest I’ve been coming home, slumping in front of the TV and watching whatever is on, I’ve been so tired.”

  “Well then perhaps it’s time you had a change. I know a cute bistro which has recently opened in town. How about I take you there?”

  He really is persistent, Suzy thought. Her lips tightened.

  “Perhaps another time, Darren. I’m not very good company in the evenings right now.”

  “Okay. A guy knows when he’s beaten.”

&n
bsp; “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so abrupt.” Suzy sighed. “Perhaps I do need a break from work. Look, I was thinking about having a quiet day fishing tomorrow. Dad used to take me and it’s a lovely way to unwind. Do you fish? You could join me if you like.”

  “Hey! Yes please. Count me in,” Darren enthused. “I’ve not done any since I was a kid either.”

  Suzy felt slightly better. At least, unlike an evening meal in a candlelit bistro, a day fishing could not signify anything other than an enjoyable day out on the water. They made plans to meet and she closed her cell with a sigh thinking that really, much as she’d been the one to make the offer, she did not need this!

  »»•««

  On Saturday morning when Suzy drew up at the jetty, Darren was waiting. He’d emptied his truck of the portable barbeque he’d insisted on bringing, his fishing gear and life jacket. A small motorboat tied to the jetty bobbed gently. The day was clear with a mild chill in the air and against her better judgment, Suzy felt her spirits rise at the thought of the day ahead. At least, she thought wryly while unloading her boot, I won’t have to worry about maneuvering the boat! It was something she’d never been particularly good at, and at which all attempts by her dad to teach her had failed miserably.

  “Gorgeous day,” Darren enthused. “Need any help?”

  Suzy assured him she only had her bag, rod, and life jacket. “I didn’t bring any food. I’m hoping we’ll catch something.”

  “I’m sure we will. There’s cheese and bread in the cool box though, just in case. Hop in, Suzy.”

  He skillfully took the boat out of the narrow stretches of the river to broader water close to the estuary.

  Suzy pointed to a marker buoy. “This used to be a good spot for mackerel when I was young. I wonder what it’s like now.”

  “Let’s give it a go then.” Darren drove the boat over, slowed down close to the buoy, and dropped the anchor.

  Chapter Fifteen

  They had been fishing quietly for two hours when Darren had the first successful catch, a lovely plump silvery mackerel. Imagining it crisp and browned on the barbeque, Suzy’s mouth watered. An hour later she caught one too, though not quite as big.

  Her stomach rumbled and she suggested, “Lunch maybe?”

  “Sure.” Darren reeled his line in.

  Suzy thought, He is very easy to get along with, so why do I have the constant feeling that I have to be on guard all the time?

  He’d started the engine. “Somewhere to stop would be good now.” He looked around.

  “I know just the spot.” Suzy stood next to him at the wheel and pointed. “See over there where the tree line dips, there’s a small beach I often used to go to with Dad. There’s never anyone there.”

  “Looks great.” Darren drove the boat into the shallows close to the sandy shore and gently ran it aground. “Ideal,” he said.

  Suzy clambered out with her bag, the blanket, and the two fish, which Darren had put in a smaller cool box. He unloaded the barbeque and large cool box. Putting them down, he rubbed his hands.

  “Right. First things first. Light the barbie.”

  Suzy smiled and spread the rug out, laying her bag on it. Her diary almost slid out and she quickly pushed it back. Damn, she thought with alarm, why did I bring that with me?

  Darren started the fire and added the bag of charcoal. “Hey, Suzy,” he said. “Do you think you could find a few bits of driftwood? I put a couple of spuds in to go with lunch, so I could be cooking for a while. These coals may not be enough.”

  “Sure. I used to do this for Dad! He always said fish tasted better cooked over salty wood. I won’t be long.”

  Darren turned to the barbeque and Suzy, taking care to keep an eye on his back, tucked her bag carefully under the corner of the blanket before setting off to forage for driftwood.

  She found enough to keep the fire going. Darren piled onto the fire, and the fish and potatoes cooked beautifully.

  “This so takes me back,” Suzy said wiping her mouth. “You just can’t beat the taste of fresh fish cooked in the open air.”

  The day began to wind down as they chatted about the housing estate and new lines in furnishings which were becoming popular again, and by three thirty they were on their way back. Suzy was surprised at just how much she’d enjoyed the day. Besides being an excellent cook―everything was cooked to crisp succulent perfection―Darren had some very funny tales to tell about his young nephew and niece which had made Suzy laugh heartily.

  “You sound very fond of them,” she’d said, and he’d agreed that he was.

  “What about you, Suzy?” he’d asked. “Any nieces or nephews?”

  “No. I’m an only child. What I’ve never had I’ve never missed.”

  He’d smiled. “Would you like children of your own one day?”

  The question had caught her off guard and she’d stumbled around for an answer.

  “It’s not something I think about too much right now.”

  “Perhaps when you meet the right man?” he’d said. And Suzy had laughingly agreed.

  They parted company at the jetty and Suzy drove home in a thoughtful mood. Darren had asked to see her again, but this time she had been more obdurate and said she thought that, if they were going to be working together, they should take a step back. He’d shrugged and said okay.

  When she let herself into the cottage her landline was ringing. It was her mum and she spent an enjoyable half hour chatting with her before going upstairs for a bath and an early night with her Angela Huth novel.

  »»•««

  Sunday Suzy spent time bed-changing, cleaning, and a spot of ironing, a job she loathed. She’d read somewhere that a high percentage of women in New Zealand didn’t even own an iron. Imagine that, she thought as she struggled with a linen skirt.

  Just before lunchtime her cell phone rang. Thinking it would be India she unplugged the iron, picked her phone up, and flopped into the chair by the window.

  “Hi,” she said.

  There was a slight pause, then, “Hi yourself,” Jake said. He sounded amused.

  “Oh!” Suzy sat upright. “How are you, Jake?”

  “I’m good. Hey, I was just thinking about organizing myself, getting the barbeque fired up, and fixing a couple of steaks. It’s a gorgeous day and I wondered if you’d like to come over.”

  Suzy glanced out the window at the cloudless blue sky. “That sounds lovely. Can I bring anything along…salads perhaps?”

  “No, just yourself will be fine. Do you know where I live?”

  “No,” Suzy lied.

  Jake gave her instructions and asked how long it would take her so he’d be able to time stuff.

  “I can leave in ten minutes.”

  Jake laughed. “I don’t believe it! No woman can do that. Are you already dressed to go out?”

  “Actually,” Suzy bridled, “I was ironing, but like I say, I can be ready in ten minutes.”

  She closed the phone, rose and threw it onto the chair. Chauvinist! She thought, wryly amused, though she supposed that was only to be expected from such a charismatic, handsome man. Weren’t they always like that? Still, she was excited. The prospect of an afternoon spent with him was very pleasurable indeed, and if he wanted to see her alone surely that was the proof she needed. He must enjoy her company. She stared in the mirror as she brushed her teeth. On the other hand, she thought, maybe he’s just bored and has no one to keep him company. She pulled her face into a snarl and smiled.

  From her wardrobe she pulled out a pale lilac cotton knit top and a gray knee-length fitted skirt and she quickly slipped into them. She brushed her hair, collected her bag, and slid her feet into a pair of high-heeled sandals.

  Six minutes.

  The noon day sun still held court in the azure blue sky, lifting Suzy’s spirits even higher. Approaching the turn-off to Jake’s she could see the house perched high on the hill, and stopping at the black iron gates, smiled, amused as they swung op
en to allow her through. They closed behind her and she made her way up a long curving driveway, parking in front of an impressive double-story house. Immediately noticing the two cars parked besides Jake’s, she swallowed a lump of disappointment. He had company.

  About to get out of her car, she stopped as Jake came through the front door and ran down the stone steps toward her.

  “Hi, Suzy,” he called. He opened her door. “Hey! I’m impressed…you meant it when you said ten minutes.” He glanced at his watch. “Eleven actually, but hey…” He shook his head and laughed. “An extra minute to look so gorgeous! Come inside, there are a couple of people I’d like you to meet.”

  He walked by her side and Suzy commented on the lovely position of the house, the well-manicured gardens.

  “I love it, but it’s a lot of hard work. Unfortunately I don’t have enough time to look after the gardens myself, but do have a great gardener.” He pushed open the door, leading her into a beautiful hallway with a black and white checkered floor and wide oak staircase. To the right a door was open and Suzy heard low voices.

  “Here we are,” Jake said. “Sam, Jackson, Arabella, meet Suzy Porter, my working partner. Amanda you already know.”

  As he ushered her into the huge living room, three pairs of eyes plus the cool glance of Amanda Roll settled on her.

  Suzy smiled to all. “Hello. Nice to see you again, Amanda.”

  “Amanda is here with Jackson today,” Jake said. “He’s her boss, they’re thinking of doing a larger article on Porterhouse, which is why I invited you along. Arabella is also part of the team at the magazine. Sam does the edits. They’d like to talk to you about it.”

  “Fine.” Suzy’s dismay, not only at being invited as a sort of last thought, but also that her intuition was telling her Amanda clearly wished her somewhere else, compelled her to turn her attention to Jackson, a kindly-looking man, whom she guessed was in his mid-sixties.